Lenz’s Law is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism that describes the direction of induced currents. It states that an induced current in a conductor will always flow in a direction that opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it.
This law is a consequence of the law of conservation of energy. When a magnetic field through a coil or conductor changes—either by moving a magnet or the coil itself—it induces an electric current. However, the induced magnetic field created by this current acts to oppose the original change.
For example, if a magnet is pushed toward a coil, the coil generates a magnetic field that tries to push the magnet away. If the magnet is pulled away, the coil produces a field that tries to pull it back.
Lenz’s Law is crucial in the design of electric generators, transformers, and induction motors. It ensures that energy input is always required to change magnetic environments, reinforcing the principle that energy cannot be created from nothing.